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Man accused of killing witness prepares for trial

The trial for the man accused of murder in the killing of another trial witness gets ready for his day in court.

Steven Pettway is accused of killing Troya Sheckles at Shelby Park in March 2009 to prevent her from being a key witness against Lloyd Hammond in a separate murder case.

Hammond's brother, Dejuan Hammond, is also charged with plotting her murder.

Before potential jurors were brought into the courtroom Tuesday, Pettway's attorney discussed a motion he made to bring in another man, Dion Neal, to testify.

Attorney Pete Schuler said Neal revealed evidence that he was actually involved in the murder of Sheckles and not Pettway.

"Mr. Neal made some incriminating statements and it's our position that, based on what he said, he had been involved in this killing," said Schuler.

But Neal's attorney had him claim his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent so as not to incriminate himself.

So Schuler made a motion to use Neal's statements without him being there, along with the testimony of yet another man, Anthony Ramsey, who allegedly spoke to Neal about Neal's involvement in the killing.

The jury is expected to be selected and seated by Tuesday night.

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